Shinra Tensei is the Deva Path's ability to manipulate repulsive force (斥力, sekiryoku) at the user's will to push matter or ninja techniques away.[1] Depending on the amount of force the user puts in this technique, it can easily shatter wood, bones, metal, or stone walls. By using this technique as a defensive measure, all attacks directed to the user will be deflected, no matter the size, power or mass. It can also be used to repel flames caught on the user's body.[2] The only downside to this technique is that there is a short period when it is unusable after being used.[3] The minimal time period is about five seconds,[4] but it varies depending on the amount of power put into the attack.[5]

Shinra Tensei can be used on a larger scale for massive destruction. Before it can be used however, Nagato must break his connection with all but the Deva Path (presumably to channel all available chakra through it). A massive amount of repulsive force is placed above the target, crushing everything beneath in a massive explosion. Using Shinra Tensei on this scale shortens Nagato's lifespan and leaves him unable to use it for several minutes.[6]Konan also noted that large-scale use of Shinra Tensei slows down the recovery rate of the Six Paths of Pain.[7]

This technique can be countered to some degree if faced with an equal and opposing force as seen when Naruto in his six-tailed form opposed the Deva Path,[8] or if the person to whom the attack is directed can barricade themselves as seen when Naruto used the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique to withstand the force somewhat.[9] It may also be possible to withstand the technique by focusing chakra to the feet.[10]

Influence

The names of Shinra Tensei and its companion ability, Banshō Ten'in, are derived from Shinra Banshō (神羅万象; Literally meaning "Everything Covered by God"), a Japanese four-character idiom and homophone variant of Shinra Banshō (森羅万象; Literally meaning "All-Covering Forests and Ten Thousand Things"), a Buddhist idiom which has come to mean "All of Nature" or "All of Creation".

Trivia

Protective Shinra Tensei orb in the anime.

In the anime, Shinra Tensei sometimes appeared as an orb around the Deva Path, which is shown in different colours each time it is used.